A tribute to her young friend

4-H'er building bookcase for pediatrics unit at Memorial.

4-H'er building bookcase for pediatrics unit at Memorial.

July 25, 2008|VIRGINIA RANSBOTTOM Tribune Staff Writer

While Nichole Perkins' fourth-grade pal battled cancer, he said he wanted to give something to Memorial pediatrics for all their help. Montana Mazurkiewicz lost his battle before he could fulfill his act of gratitude.

"So I'm doing it for him instead," Nichole said.

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Retail value: $325.00 Buy it now for $162.50 You save: $162.50 (50%) For a 4-H project at the St. Joseph County Fair, Nichole is woodcrafting a bookcase for the pediatric unit and asking fairgoers to donate books to fill the case.

The bookcase project and donation boxes will be located in the Esther Singer building. Books for infants to age 16 are appropriate.

Nichole is now an eighth-grader at John Young Middle School in Mishawaka.

She belongs to the Madison Township 4-H Club and is the club's junior ambassador, acting as spokesperson for 4-H, volunteering for youth, the elderly and Special Olympics.

Nichole has been involved in 4-H since third grade. A few of her favorite projects include genealogy, scrapbooking, crocheting, quilting, rabbits, poultry, cows, woodworking, weather and childhood development.

Although she lives in Mishawaka, she belongs to the Madison Township 4-H Club because her mother has many relatives in the area.

Nichole's parents, Debra and Kraig Perkins, are both active in 4-H.

"You can be from the city and join 4-H," Debra said. "There's so many more projects than animals."

Nichole's brother, 13-year-old Kody, is also in 4-H.

"It keeps the kids out of trouble and the family active together," Debra said. "When the world seems to be going in separate ways there's so much to do as a family in 4-H."

After helping Nichole trace her family roots for a 4-H project, Debra was inspired to compile the Images of America book, "Penn and Madison Townships," a pictorial history that includes many of Debra's ancestors.

Nichole has used 4-H to its full advantage Â? reaching and teaching others, while fulfilling a special boy's desire to show his gratitude.

Opening ceremonies for the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair will be Sunday with most activities beginning Monday at the fairgrounds at 5117 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend.

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for children ages 8 and younger Monday through Aug. 2.Staff writer Virginia Ransbottom: vransbottom@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6344